Fin Clips Vs. Needle

[@johnbowzer5447]

Good topic. Personally, I think this is a topic that the top bass organizations should fund the research and make a recommendation for their tournaments. Then provide anglers and the fans who come to the events a little package based on the recommendation. Some small weights or a needle with instructions are cheap. It would be good PR, helps protect the fisheries, and helps educate the public. A lot of good quality fish could be saved with a little investment.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Sounds like a great idea to me

[@dclark583]

Awesome 👌

[@ZethKinnettFishing]

They do recommend that people fizz the fish. All major tour level tournaments fizz the floaters in the release tank for the boaters that don't. Problem is I doubt they use a different needle on each fish or sterilize them between stickings.

[@johnbowzer5447]

@@ZethKinnettFishing thanks for sharing. Didn’t realize the organizations promoted a preferred method with some data to support it. Seems a bit late to me if they are doing it in the release tanks though. So they should do a better job of promoting and educating the anglers to do it on the water. Still think a simple package with instructions, the needle, and some disinfectant would be a good promotional tool at the big events.

[@ZethKinnettFishing]

@@johnbowzer5447 yeah i agree. like it could be something they give all anglers fishing at an event where fish are more than likely going to be caught deep.

[@rvfishingyet]

As a bank angler, I had no real understanding of the issue. Quick and to the point Matt. The videos are so diverse. Kudos

[@MattStefanFishing]

Much appreciated!

[@stoneysdead689]

I think all tournaments should be catch, photo, release tournaments- or each boater has someone in their boat to record the weights and then immediately release the fish. The days of bringing them up on stage and weighing in, in front of everyone, should be over imo.

[@MattStefanFishing]

I dont think it will be long before you see catch weigh release best five tournaments

[@waynewalters5813]

I agree! The resource is way too valuable to allow on stage weigh ins.

[@bobbymason3420]

I agree it’s better for the fish. And if certified on the spot then it’s best to release and not stage weigh

[@ronaldd932]

Great topic. I had the great privilege to be part of a conversation on this topic with Gene Gilliland of BASS and Tom Jones of the Minnesota DNR during the 2017 AOY tournament . The real issue is called barotrauma. When the swim bladder expands it puts pressure on the organs of the fish and can do irreparable harm to internal organs over time. Gene claimed that Texas has studies that showed benefits of increased survival of bass who were fizzed. DNR biologist Jones seemed to think fish held in a livewell for long periods enduring barotrauma had high rates of delayed mortality. Fin clips simply allow a fish not to exert itself while in a livewell so they have the strength to swimoff at the end of the day, problem is the effects of barotruama may still lead to death. The problem with fizzing is it is seldom done correctly. The needle must be sterilized with each use to avoid infection let alone be placed correctly and the right amount out of air let out. The infection from a dirty needle can also be passed to other fish. It seems if done correctly fizzing works, problem is seldom done correctly.

[@MattStefanFishing]

agreed

[@ivanradi4275]

Very good point. I hope that everyone becomes aware of the simple details that promote the conservation of the species. Interesting Matt that you bring up topics that many people do not want to mention or investigate in depth.

[@MattStefanFishing]

its probably because it will shine a negative light on tournaments

[@wesvyverberg9517]

Hey Matt I put em in the box and give em time to calm down. If they go belly up I put a clip on each pec fin. If they are unable to set regulate with the fin weights and their color starts to change suggesting they are dying I will fizz as a last resort. Check with Barb Elliott from NY Bass as she runs the live release boat for all the BASS events in NY from state fed events to opens to elites. She sells fizz kits that have detailed instructions and a container with needle. She would be a good person to consult with on the topic.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Yep I have talked with them before. She is an expert at doing it. I think your order of events is the best. I wont fizz unless its a last resort, which is also when the tournament release boats do it, which I think may falsely indicate its success. Most of those fish that the release boats fizz had nothing done to them after being caught. Id love to know how many fish needed to be fizzed after having fin clips and self regulating on their own. I find that the success rates with clips is by far the best IMO

[@johnrayner5599]

Great topic and I might add , I fish Table Rock a bunch and we always used the needle, I wasn’t then and surely not now think its the best way, it does work but one mistake and that fish will die, not as much of a risk with the clips and thats my way to do it now. Thanks for the info and I totally agree with you on this topic.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing!

[@ronaldd932]

Matt, Gene Gilliand just did a show on BTL regarding this issue. He sites studies done both in Canada and Texas that show the benefits of fizzing. He also addresses the fin clips.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Ill check it out

[@frankkoepp5351]

This is a great topic. I have fuzzed them but have never used the clips. Definitely going to try the clips and use the needle as a last resort. Great stuff as always! Thanks for the insight.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@michaelvice6805]

Great topic and a very great point to catching deep fish. I would agree with you on using fin clips.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Right on

[@bobking191]

I've heard that smallmouth that have a swelled bladders puts stress on the fish's heart which can cause the fish to die. For me a fish clip is a temporary fix for largemouth or smallmouth in the livewell which are going to need the needle before being released cause they won't be able to go down.

[@MattStefanFishing]

I can tell you from my experience that a fishes air bladder appears to be less pressurized after using fin clips. Does that mean it fixed the problem...I cant say for sure. But it would appear to do the same thing as fizzing without being as invasive. This is why we need more studies done on the long term affects. Thanks for sharing your opinion! Its very much appreciated!

[@BigRobFPV]

@@MattStefanFishing what about culled fish/picture fish, they are full of air and just going to be at the surface when released. I poke'em

[@ZethKinnettFishing]

@@MattStefanFishing I have clipped many a floater and by the end of the day they are thrashing around and upright. Well, some of them are. The clips work. But towards the end fo the day they may need a fizz if the clips haven't been on long enough to do their job.

[@juleswinnfield826]

Good info again. My derby days were in the Neanderthal era when we just put ice in the livewell......obviously not best practices. Thanks for the vid.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@waynesammyswingle6107]

What a great topic and you are right, this conversation needs to happen or at least it should happen. I have no specific research but I also like the fin clips for the exact reason that5 they are less intrusive. It is funny but I have been watching a bunch of St Lawrence videos lately and it seems to be a 50/50 mix on anglers using fin clips and anglers using het needle.

[@MattStefanFishing]

I think doing something is better than nothing, I just wish there was solid long term research on the affects of fizzing

[@jimblack806]

I agree plus I worry I'm poking or puncturing an organ also

[@MattStefanFishing]

yep

[@crmlivelab]

Very interesting topic Matt.. I Fish Lake Huron and always fiz my fish over 15 feet if they are being boxed.. I use to box a couple big fish for pictures and obviously for tournaments.. Now unless I am in an event I never box.. I get them back immediately.. I do clean my needles.. But I think I will test fin clips... I have read that not giving them some immediate relief can give them extra stress on the circulatory system.. That could cause distress... I will give the fin clips a try this fall for sure.. Thanks for the tip bud.

[@MattStefanFishing]

No problem. Id love your feedback after trying them

[@shawnseabaugh]

Thanks

[@MattStefanFishing]

No problem

[@rickvann3489]

Just got back from St.Lawerence and they would swell up even at 18 feet. I think it has something to do with fighting them too.

[@MattStefanFishing]

I feel like the current creates even more pressure

[@tommydoublec]

I've used fish clips for years and think they are awesome. Always had good results, brought so many fish back to life if they were belly up in the live well. They work for shallow fish also that are floating on their sides for various reasons.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Totally agree!

[@jeffeefore3782]

I don’t know if it will work on bass but I’ve seen guys insert a hose into the gullet of bluecats to release air???

[@MattStefanFishing]

Interesting

[@kevinjtoner]

Excellent subject, Matt!! I favor fin clips…….Thank you 👍🎣…….Preserving our fisheries is critical!!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

You got that right!

[@jamesbarron1202]

Have you guys ever used a SeaQualizer to do immediate release? It’s what saltwater guys use for deep caught fish. I’ve heard the Tacticalbassin guys just use a heavy weight on a line and put it in their mouth and when they get back down yank the weight out of their mouth.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Ill look into a seaqualizier. I have seen fish released down deep in a modified cage device and let them out that way. But theres really no need with immediate release

[@jamesbarron1202]

@@MattStefanFishing TPWD at one time (maybe still) made it mandatory to keep all crappie no matter the size on Lake Fork during certain winter months because anglers where killing them with immediate release. There’d be crappie all over the top of the water when a lot of boats where there on the winter crappie spot. Once you catch your limit your done for the day. The Texas State record bass was caught on a minnow where everyone catches the winter crappie.

[@MrDeputy83]

Great topic!

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks

[@alcav54]

What is considered super deep water? >20 feet?

[@MattStefanFishing]

Id say 20ft or more generally

[@othacker2908]

great information as usual thanks

[@MattStefanFishing]

You bet

[@blackhillsbassing6167]

Great info

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@stevemcminn3434]

Great video..

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@bobclark4183]

Good video. Thanks

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad you liked it!

[@raydalton1110]

I fish a rock quarry sometimes and i notice when I release a bass they swim away funny. I think they 20 to 30 feet deep. But I dont see them floating back up. I hope they surviving ?

[@MattStefanFishing]

as long as they get back down they pressurize appropriately and are OK

[@raydalton1110]

@@MattStefanFishing ok ty yeah i never seen them float back up, so maybe its smallies more since they are deeper than the largies i catch

[@harrisonnelson1064]

What area of northern Wisconsin or you from? I’m from there as well. Love fishing club tournaments around the area. Love you’re videos, they have been very helpful for me fishing these smaller tournaments

[@MattStefanFishing]

I'm in the Stevens Point area and have a family cabin in the Hayward Area

[@LoopKnot]

I look at some of the comments, and check out your reply's. So as long as you release immediately, no action must be taken?

[@stoneysdead689]

Yes, as long as you let them go and they can get back down- they're fine.

[@MattStefanFishing]

correct

[@LoopKnot]

@@stoneysdead689 Thank You

[@shawn_r_schultzfishing4883]

Definitely why MLF's catch weigh, release method is the best, no harm to the fish and they swim away. I wish they would switch their Big5 over to this as well.

[@MattStefanFishing]

I would like to see catch weigh release Big 5 tournaments.

[@shawn_r_schultzfishing4883]

@@MattStefanFishing I know for some reason some people don't like that, but it really is better for the fish and the future of the sport. How many times even with new(er) boats have livewells malfunctioned and killed BIG BASS, doesn't make sense.

[@timg185]

I mostly fish shallow water. So this usually isn’t a concern. How deep do you think is deep enough for this to be a concern ? Does bringing fish to the surface more slowly help? I’ve seen guys fizz the air bladder through the mouth. Which seems like a better way to insure you don’t miss. It’s a good subject that I would like to learn more about. Thanks!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Deep is usually 20ft or more and yes slowly bringing them up from deep water helps more.

[@FishcastAngling]

Thanks much for making this video! I have minimal experience but from what I’ve seen so far I like putting fin weights on deep caught smallies immediately and I monitor livewell temp end use g juice etc. at the end of the day they are full of energy and swim down hard zero issues. I’ve heard people say that fish can’t equalize the air without fizzing or getting back down to the depth they were originally at but I’ve found as you have they they seem extremely healthy with just fin weights over time in the livewell. Question, do you have an opinion on best places to put fin weights on and how many? Just anal fin? Anal and pelvic? Also any option on the fin weights that have the little bead chain between the clip to the weight versus the regular one? Thanks!

[@MattStefanFishing]

I start with the pelvic fins and will add one to the anal fin if needed. I do not like the clips with the chain as much because it doesnt keep the bass right on the bottom as well IMO

[@FishcastAngling]

@@MattStefanFishing thanks for the response!

[@johnlantz7278]

Fin clips, how long does this take ? interesting test results , re lease these deep fish immediately, back to the depth you caught them is there best chance. great subjective point like to hear more of results from fin clips effectiveness

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks! Generally takes an hour or so, which doesn't help fish caught near the end of the tournament day much.

[@AddictedAngler]

niddle is a no go, if they dont know what htey are doing they can kill the fish, i agree 100% with u

[@MattStefanFishing]

yep. not for the inexperienced

[@MrDeputy83]

Do you automatically put them on every fish or only if you see signs of distress?

[@MattStefanFishing]

just if i see signs of distress

[@williamwhitaker2928]

Mr. Stefan, Pardon my ignorance but for catch and release fisherman what risk is there in releasing an exhausted fish caught from deep water?.

[@MattStefanFishing]

The best thing you can do is immediately release a fish caught from deep water. Unhook them, hold them nose down in the water and push them deeper as you release them. Unfortunately, in tournament situations you don have that option.

[@Wil_D]

I've had mixed results. For me the needle works better for largemouth caught 30-70ft. Northern smallmouth I like the fin clips more. I think there is more stress issues going on with northern smallmouth and simply releasing pressure in the air bladder doesn't solve all the issues. You can catch one in 2ft of water on Champlain and it lays belly up in your livewell. Nothing to do with the air bladder. We need more research to help preserve these northern fisheries.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Agreed!

[@ZethKinnettFishing]

I typically use weights but for biggs that are floating I use the needle. YOU MUST CLEAN AND STERILIZE THE NEEDLE AFTER EVERY FISH!. Or you will kill them. They will eventually die of infection if the stress doesn't get them first. Couple problems with the clips.... You forget to take them off and they get weighed in. The fish thrashes a lot and they fall off. You have to keep an eye on the clipped fish to make sure the clips stay on. I have never killed a clipped fish but I have killed 1 giant smallie with a needle. Had to stick it like 5 times to get the air bladder. Yes I know how to do it right.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing. Good information!

[@chief1334]

The needle definitely... your not puncturing the organs. If you do, your doing it wrong. It's like collapsed lung... your making a tiny hole into the "cavity" that the air bladder is supposed to be in. This allows the gasses to escape and the air bladder to return into the cavity.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Not disagreeing with you, but I believe the air bladder is technically an organ. I would love to see if there is a delayed mortality from infection or other issues from the puncturing. I would also like to see if there is delayed mortality from using fin clips and not fizzing a fish. I guess I just wish there was good research on the subject to read up on and educate myself. All the information I can find talks about the immediate affects on the fish, but nothing long term. Hopefully, both of the procedures are helping the fish to survive.

[@ronaldd932]

@@MattStefanFishing the Texas study Gene referred to I believe held bass in cages for observation so they could gauge delayed mortality. I will try and find that study.

[@joegarrigues3697]

If you don't have a livewell.... the needle might be the only option

[@MattStefanFishing]

good point

[@johnsonc8]

If you’re in a non-tournament situation, there’s no reason to be horsing a fish out of the water. Take your time and the fish will off-gas appropriately as they ascend.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Agreed!